Situational ethics are characterized by what tendency?

Situational ethics are fundamentally based on the idea that ethical decisions should be made based on the particulars of a situation rather than through a fixed set of rules or guidelines. This approach emphasizes understanding and evaluating the context of a given scenario, allowing for more nuanced and flexible moral judgments that can better address the complexities of real-life situations.

Using situational ethics means that individuals consider the specific circumstances, the people involved, and the potential outcomes when making ethical choices. This tendency encourages adaptability and a focus on compassion and human welfare, recognizing that what may be considered right or wrong can change depending on the context. This contrasts sharply with more rigid ethical systems that apply the same moral principles across all situations without accounting for individual scenarios or changing factors.

The tendency to vary behavior based on specific circumstances is what sets situational ethics apart from other ethical frameworks that prioritize absolute moral codes or cultural norms, allowing for a more personalized approach to ethical decision-making.